13.

Allergic reactions:
A. Mild: Urticaria, Rash:
B. Moderately severe: flushing, Urticaria, Rigors, Fever, Restlessness
C. Life-threatening: Hypotension,
Tachycardia, Haemoglobinuria, Unexplained bleeding

Transfusion rate depends on clinical circumstances and may vary from 3‐5 mL/kg/hour
to greatly increased rates for individuals in hypovolaemic shock.

Suggested rates of transfusion

Adults
Whole blood - 150-200mL/hr
PRBC - 100-150 mL/hr
platelets/plasma - 150-300mL/hr

Paediatric patients
whole blood/PRBC - 2-5mL/kg/hr
platelets/plasma - 1-2mL/min

14. Monitor patient during the transfusion in order to detect any adverse event as
early as possible. Include patient’s general appearance, temperature, pulse rate,
blood pressure and respiratory rate. Ensure that the patient is in a setting where
he or she can be directly observed.

15.

16. This serves the dual purpose of administering to the patient any residual blood
left in the administration set (up to 40 mL), and it flushes the line for later
use. It may also be used in
special circumstances, e.g. when the flow is slow due to increased Hct, or when
saline is
used to prepare washed red cell.

17. Make sure to discard waste in biohazard waste container.

18. Washing of hands decreases risk of transmitting microorganisms.

19.
A. Make note of the following:
- Time the transfusion started.
- Time the transfusion was completed.
- Volume and type of blood products transfused.
- Unique donation number of all products transfused.
- Any adverse effect.

B. Record in the patient’s notes:

– Type and volume of each unit transfused.
– Unique donation number of each unit transfused.
– Blood group of each unit transfused.
– Time at which the transfusion of each unit commenced.
– Signature of the individual responsible for administration of the blood.
– Record the time of completion of the transfusion.
– Record the details of transfusion reaction.